keyword / cue
Loading your saved state.
keyword
A keyword or search term used to search for information in an index, a database, or on the internet.
Geben Sie das Stichwort „Goethe“ in die Suchmaske der Bibliothek ein.
Enter the keyword “Goethe” in the library search form.
cue
An agreed word or gesture that is the signal for another person to do or say something, especially in theater.
Der Schauspieler verpasste sein Stichwort und kam zu spät auf die Bühne.
The actor missed his cue and came onto the stage too late.
note / keyword
A single word or short phrase that summarizes a thought or topic and is often used for notes.
Für meinen Vortrag habe ich mir nur ein paar Stichworte auf eine Karte geschrieben.
For my presentation, I only wrote a few keywords on a card.
The word is made up of “Stich” (cue, hint) and “Wort” (word). Here, “Stich” can be understood as a hint or signal. So a “Stichwort” (keyword/cue) is a word that serves as a signal or as a central point for something.
Er hat mir das richtige Stichwort gegeben, und dann fiel mir alles wieder ein.
He gave me the right cue, and then everything came back to me.
In the meaning “kurze Notiz” (short note), the plural “die Stichworte” (keywords/notes) is almost always used. People rarely speak of just one single “Stichwort” (keyword/note), but rather of a collection of notes.
Ich habe mir für das Meeting nur ein paar Stichworte gemacht.
I only made a few notes for the meeting.
In the context of theater or agreed signals, fixed expressions are common: “jemandem ein Stichwort geben” (to give someone a cue), “auf das Stichwort warten” (to wait for the cue), or “sein Stichwort verpassen” (to miss one’s cue).
Der Techniker wartete auf das Stichwort des Regisseurs, um die Musik zu starten.
The technician waited for the director’s cue to start the music.
When “Stichwort” (keyword/search term) means a search term, it is often combined with the verbs “eingeben” (to enter) or “suchen” (to search). The phrase “unter dem Stichwort ... finden” (to find under the keyword ...) is also typical.
Unter dem Stichwort „Datenschutz“ finden Sie alle relevanten Dokumente.
Under the keyword “data protection,” you will find all relevant documents.
signal
Both words can refer to an agreed sign that someone acts on. Stichwort is usually the specific triggering word or gesture, especially when cueing someone, while Signal is a more general term for a communicated instruction. In theater, Stichwort is often the right choice for the exact cue; otherwise, Signal is generally more suitable.
Beim Stichwort des Regisseurs begann die Schauspielerin ihren Text.
At the director's cue, the actress began her lines.
Das Signal des Regisseurs zeigte dem Techniker, dass er das Licht einschalten sollte.
The director's signal told the technician to turn on the lights.
